5 Ways to Protect Your Property From Floods

As Fairfax County’s climate changes, becoming warmer, wetter and weirder, it is imperative for residents to prepare and adjust. Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. And in Fairfax County, some areas are more prone to flooding. Here are five ways to be better prepared for floods. 

1.) HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY

1. Cleaning gutters and downspouts can help prevent flooding at your home.
2. Keeping storm drains clear of debris helps water to drain away from your property during heavy rainfall.
3. If you live in a floodplain, investing in a sump pump can help remove water that may accumulate in your home during a storm.
4. Fix cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation to stop water from entering during downpours.
5. Make sure your landscaping slopes away from your homes foundation to keep water from getting in when it rains.
6. Check fencing to make sure it is high enough off the ground to allow water to flow out of your yard - make room for runoff!

2.) KNOW YOUR FLOOD RISK; LEARN ABOUT FLOOD INSURANCE AND FLOODPLAINS

The level of flood risk is related to how close your property is to a floodplain, a sump, or an inadequate path for overland relief.

Use the Flood Risk Awareness Tool to view how these risk factors may affect your property and better understand your flood risk.

Flood insurance is not the same as homeowners insurance. Most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover flooding. In Fairfax County, the average flood insurance costs between $400 and $1,000 annually. Learn more about flood insurance or speak with your homeowner’s insurance agent. Check out our Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map.

3.) APPLY FOR FLOOD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE

For those looking to safeguard their homes from flood damage, our Flood Mitigation Assistance Program can help. The program, which reimburses 50 percent of eligible floodproofing project costs — up to $5,000 per property — is open to homeowners, HOAs, condo associations, and places of worship.

4.) BE SAFE WHEN YOU'RE OUTSIDE

“Turn Around Don’t Drown” stresses the importance of not driving or walking through flood waters. More than half of all flood-related drownings occur when someone attempts to drive through flood water. The second highest percentage of deaths is from people walking into or to close to flood waters. Many roads flood in Fairfax County - turn around, don't drown. 

Also, if you're outside during heavy rains, be careful around rivers, creeks and other bodies of water that may rise rapidly. 

5.) LEARN HOW FAIRFAX COUNTY RESPONDS TO FLOODS

Several county departments play a role in flood preparedness and response. 

• Our Department of Public Works and Environmental Services responds to service requests and implements projects to mitigate structural flooding in floodplains. For maintenance of county storm drains, assistance in determining who maintains a storm drain, and questions about storm drainage easements, use the Storm Drainage Problem Report Form or call the Maintenance & Stormwater Management Division at 703-877-2800, TTY 711.
• The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District provides onsite technical assistance to property owners to minimize drainage impacts. 
• The Department of Emergency Management and Security provides many tools, including the Community Emergency Response Guide.
• Our Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is leading the Resilient Fairfax efforts to help understand and plan for climate changes.
• If there's a flooded road, heed the advice of turn around, don't drown. During heavy rains, our Fire and Rescue Department is frequently deployed to conduct swift water rescues. 
• Per our One Fairfax Policy, we strive to ensure equitable outcomes for all, particularly marginalized populations and underserved communities.